Barret House, Richmond

William Barret House, situated at the intersection of Fifth and Cary in Richmond, is an example of Classic Revival architecture. Built in 1844 by William Barret, a prominent tobacconist, and investor, the mansion reflects the architectural elegance of the era.

Constructed with stucco over brick, the two-story house is positioned on a sloping corner lot, which is enhanced by a rugged granite retaining wall supporting an original cast iron fence. The property also features a striking two-story rear portico that once offered views of the James River and a two-story dependency that housed the kitchen and carriage house.

Visitors to the mansion ascend broad granite steps to a one-story entrance porch, supported by two Ionic columns, leading to a central front hall distinguished by a curved and cantilevered staircase. Architecturally, Barret House shares similarities with the Scott-Clarke House, also in Richmond, underscoring the aesthetic links to the city’s stylish residential past.

Historically, the house has witnessed significant events and transformations. Barret House has survived many historical milestones, including the Civil War. During the war, the house was leased to the French consul, reflecting its strategic importance. William Barret, notably cautious with his wealth, invested in English assets during the Civil War, which spared him from the financial ruin that befell many in the South post-war.

Threatened with demolition as the neighborhood commercialized, the house was saved in 1936 by preservationists Mary Wingfield Scott and Elisabeth Scott Bocock, who then donated it to the Virginia Society of the American Institute of Architects. In the 1980s, the organization undertook extensive renovations, preserving Barret House's legacy as a link to Richmond's antebellum past, and now houses a financial investment firm.